Tenra wasn't in any hurry to schedule his date with Kiryuu Aika. That could wait for the weekend.
After club activities wrapped up, Tenra, Rias, and the rest of the girls made their way home. They'd barely settled in when two unexpected guests arrived—
Maou Sirzechs Lucifer and his ever-composed maid, Grayfia.
"Tenra-kun, Rias."
Sirzechs stepped out of the teleportation circle, Grayfia at his side, his smile as warm as ever.
"Sirzechs-sama."
"Onii-sama, what brings you to the human world?" Rias asked, surprise flickering across her face as she and the others hurried to greet them.
"Rias, did you forget? The school's open class is coming up."
Sirzechs nodded to everyone, settling into the familiar role of doting brother.
"Open class… Wait, don't tell me—?"
"Exactly what you're thinking." Sirzechs grinned. "I wouldn't miss the chance to see my little sister working hard."
Rias's cheeks flushed crimson as she shot Grayfia a glare. "It was you, wasn't it, Grayfia! You told Onii-sama!"
Grayfia accepted the accusation with her trademark poise, while Rias fumed at the unexpected family attention. Having her brother show up for her open class was the last thing she'd planned for.
"Don't blame Grayfia, Rias. Attending your open class is our duty as family."
"Geez, Onii-sama… You're the Maou! Shouldn't you be busy with actual work?"
Rias huffed, her tone half-annoyed, half-affectionate. Tenra and the other girls struggled to keep straight faces—everyone could see she was secretly pleased, whether she'd admit it or not. The Gremory princess was at it again.
Sirzechs's smile softened. "Actually, there's some business as well. After the fallen angel incident, I've decided to hold a summit for the three factions at your school."
"At our school?!"
The news stunned not just Rias, but Akeno, Yubelluna, and the rest of the girls.
—
In the living room, everyone had taken their seats. Maru and Brent dutifully served tea to their distinguished guests.
"Tenra-kun, I'm afraid we'll be imposing on you for a couple of days."
"Not at all, Sirzechs-sama. Having you here is an honor."
"The fallen angel incident was resolved thanks to you, Tenra-kun. If you hadn't stopped Kokabiel, the consequences could've been disastrous."
"I only did what anyone would. Kokabiel wanted war for his own selfish reasons—anyone who values peace would've stopped him."
"Absolutely. We can't let anyone destroy the peace we've worked so hard to achieve."
The conversation flowed easily between Tenra and Sirzechs, with Rias chiming in now and then. The mood was light, almost familial.
"Sirzechs-sama, please make yourself at home. I'll step out for a bit—I'll be right back."
"Is something the matter, Tenra-kun?" Sirzechs asked, glancing at the darkening sky.
"I need to pick up some ingredients. If I wait much longer, all the good stuff will be gone."
"You could just send the servants."
"I wouldn't want to miss the chance to cook for you myself, Sirzechs-sama. I've got a few specialties I think you'll enjoy, so I'd rather choose the ingredients personally."
Sirzechs's eyes lit up. "I had no idea you could cook, Tenra-kun. Now I'm looking forward to dinner even more."
He turned to Grayfia. "Grayfia, go help him."
"Yes, Sirzechs-sama."
A flicker of something unreadable passed through Grayfia's eyes as she accepted the order.
Leaving the girls to entertain Sirzechs, Tenra headed out with Grayfia. Aisha and Xuelan offered to help, but Tenra waved them off, telling them to relax and enjoy themselves.
"Please take care of me, Grayfia-san."
Once they'd left the Kamiyo house and were alone on the quiet street, Tenra offered a friendly smile.
Grayfia, so dignified indoors, now wore an icy mask. She glanced at Tenra, her expression unreadable, making it clear she had no intention of small talk.
Tenra shrugged, undeterred, and the pair walked in silence toward the supermarket.
—
"Thank you for shopping! Please come again!"
Arms loaded with groceries, Tenra and Grayfia stepped out of the store, drawing more than a few curious glances from the staff.
"Grayfia-san, is there really nothing you want to ask me?"
Tenra broke the silence as they walked through the cool evening air.
She was impressive, he had to admit—if he didn't speak first, she'd probably go all night without saying a word.
"You drew me out here because you have questions, didn't you?"
Grayfia stopped, turning to face him. A faint, mocking smile curved her lips.
Tenra grinned sheepishly. "So you saw right through me. I guess that's what makes you the Underworld's strongest Queen."
He wasn't embarrassed for long. "Actually, I've been wondering ever since last time—why did you seek me out? The questions you asked, and—"
He paused, letting the moment settle.
"—the secret you're hiding, Grayfia-san."
By now, Tenra's smile had faded. His gaze sharpened, locking onto hers.
She'd appeared out of nowhere before, asking if he could plunder any Sacred Gear, telling him he was too weak and should work harder to survive—maybe she'd need him someday.
None of it had made sense. Tenra had been waiting for a chance to get answers.
"You really want to know?"
Grayfia studied him, and then—unexpectedly—her cold, beautiful face broke into a smile.
It was dazzling, like a thousand flowers blooming at once, making the night itself seem pale. Even Tenra found himself momentarily speechless.
This was a woman who stood at the summit of both beauty and power.
"Yes. I want to know."
Tenra bit his tongue, snapping himself out of it, and answered with conviction.
Grayfia's strange behavior was proof she carried a massive secret. Whether or not it concerned him, Tenra hated being left in the dark. He had to know.
Under his unflinching gaze, Grayfia finally spoke again—
"To learn my secrets… you're not qualified yet."
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